In a move to strengthen Somalia’s fight against the militant group al-Shabaab, the US and Somali governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday.
The agreement, witnessed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and US Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee, outlines plans for the US to build five “well-equipped” military bases for Somalia’s elite Danab Brigade, a key force battling the insurgency.
This comes as Somalia intensifies its “all-out war” against al-Shabaab, declared by Mohamud following his re-election in May 2022. The Danab Brigade has played a crucial role in recent offensives against the group.
Phee’s visit to Somalia coincided with rising tensions between the country and neighboring Ethiopia over a Red Sea access deal signed by Ethiopia with the breakaway region of Somaliland. The Somali government considers the deal “illegitimate,” further straining relations between the two nations.
Prior to arriving in Somalia, Phee met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, highlighting US efforts to promote regional stability and address concerns through diplomatic channels.
While the specific details of the military base construction remain undisclosed, the US-Somalia MoU signifies a renewed commitment to combating terrorism and supporting Somalia’s security apparatus. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the broader regional dynamics and ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
